Bogner Uberschall

The Bogner Uberschall is a highly acclaimed guitar amplifier known for its powerful sound and versatility, particularly favored in the metal and hard rock genres.

History of the Bogner Uberschall

• Introduction (2000): The Bogner Uberschall was introduced in 2000 by Reinhold Bogner, a prominent amp designer who founded Bogner Amplification in Los Angeles in 1989. The name "Uberschall," which translates to "supersonic" in German, reflects the amp's capability to produce high-gain tones with significant low-end response, catering to the needs of modern guitarists.
• Design Features: The Uberschall is a 120-watt all-tube amplifier powered by four EL34 tubes. It features a straightforward layout with two channels—Clean and Lead—each equipped with independent controls for Gain, Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, and Presence. A unique "Gain Boost" feature allows players to push the gain even further for heavier sounds. The amp also includes a tube-buffered effects loop, enhancing its versatility for pedal integration.
• Tonal Characteristics: The Uberschall is celebrated for its rich harmonic content and dynamic responsiveness. It excels at producing thick overdriven tones while maintaining clarity and definition, making it ideal for heavy music styles. Its design allows for extensive tonal shaping, appealing to guitarists seeking both classic rock tones and modern high-gain sounds.
• Legacy: Since its release, the Uberschall has become a staple among professional musicians and has garnered a reputation as one of the go-to amplifiers for heavy music. Its ability to handle drop tunings and seven- or eight-string guitars has made it particularly popular among nu-metal players.
• Cultural Impact: The Uberschall's popularity grew as it was embraced by numerous high-profile guitarists, solidifying its status in the industry. Local guitarist John Ziegler inspired its creation, pushing Bogner to develop an amp with more bass and gain than previous models.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set the Clean channel with Gain around 4-5 for warm, clear sounds.
  • Adjust Treble to about 6-7 and Bass at 4-5 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or classic rock styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Use the Lead channel with Gain set to 7-8 for rich tube saturation.
  • Set Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Mid at 4-5.
  • Excellent for hard rock or metal tones.
• High-Gain Tones:
  • Increase Gain to maximum on the Lead channel for extreme saturation.
  • Engage the Gain Boost feature for additional gain when needed.
  • Perfect for modern rock or metal styles requiring aggressive sound.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.

Notable Players

• Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains): Cantrell has used the Uberschall extensively in his rig, appreciating its powerful sound suitable for his heavy music style.
• Jim Root (Slipknot): Root is known for using the Uberschall as part of his signature tone, valuing its high gain and clarity.
• Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge): Tremonti has been associated with Bogner amplifiers, including the Uberschall, using it to achieve his distinctive hard rock sound.
• Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins): Corgan utilized the Uberschall during the recording of "Zeitgeist," contributing to his massive sound during that era.
• Other Artists: Many musicians across genres have embraced the Uberschall for its ability to produce high-quality sound across styles, solidifying its status as a coveted amplifier among professionals.

Summary

The Bogner Uberschall remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its unique design and exceptional tonal capabilities. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds from a reliable platform that blends classic influences with modern performance standards.